oligarch

noun ol·i·garch \ ˈä-lə-ˌgärk , ˈō- \

|Updated on: 3 Jul 2018

Definition of oligarch

: a member or supporter of an oligarchy

See oligarch defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of oligarch from the Web

The departure of oligarchs might affect prices on some streets in Kensington, but not beyond.

— The Economist, "Russian oligarchs may matter less to Britain’s economy than many think," 7 June 2018
The sudden immigration to Israel of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich makes him the latest in a string of Jewish Russian oligarchs who have made a home in the country in recent years.

— aron heller, Fox News, "Abramovich is latest Russian oligarch to seek move to Israel," 29 May 2018
Michael Cohen payments — The new claims from Stormy Daniels' lawyer that Cohen was paid by a company connected to a Russian oligarch have raised eyebrows, and will certainly raise questions from reporters Wednesday.

— CBS News, "White House press briefing today — live updates," 9 May 2018
Now, if the president shared that ham sandwich with Julian Assange at the home of a Russian oligarch, while chatting with Vladimir Putin on speakerphone, that’s another story.

— gilbert garcia, San Antonio Express-News, "Impeachment talk carries more risk than reward for Dems," 28 Apr. 2018
In April, the Trump administration imposed sweeping sanctions against Russian oligarchs, sending shock waves through the Russian economy.

— john hudson, Washington Post, "After forging new ties with North Korea, Trump administration turns to Russia," 17 June 2018
In fact, Hamilton was no would-be oligarch, and Madison was never so small-minded.

— jay cost, WSJ, "The Founding Era’s Populist Moment," 8 June 2018
Six years ago Mr Abramovich was unsuccessfully sued by a fellow oligarch, Boris Berezovsky, for breach of contract.

— The Economist, "Russian oligarchs may matter less to Britain’s economy than many think," 7 June 2018
Seven oligarchs — though not Mr. Akhmedov — have since been subject to sanctions that prevent them from conducting business in the United States.

— david segal, New York Times, "A Russian Oligarch’s $500 Million Yacht Is in the Middle of Britain’s Costliest Divorce," 6 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oligarch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.